SEPPmail and Azure – a strong team

SEPPmail on Azure Marketplace

Azure from Microsoft is a flexible, constantly improving cloud computing platform for running virtual machines. The SEPPmail Secure Messaging solution has also been available using the Azure Marketplace since 2019. It can be installed directly in the relevant subscription by the partner or end client in question.

You will find technical information about installation, setting up a cluster and data backups below.

SEPPmail and Azure
Standard installation

Thanks to a fully automatic deployment process using the Azure Marketplace, all you need to do is enter a few parameters to completely set up SEPPmail on Azure. To do so, watch the following video.

Setting up a load balancing cluster

A cluster can be set up in Azure for SEPPmail applications that require a high level of performance and redundancy. For this purpose, SEPPmail provides an Azure Resource Manager (ARM) template that can be used to set up a full cluster, including network configuration and cluster connection.

The ARM template and the corresponding documentation can be found on the SEPPmail GitHub page: SEPPmail-GitHub-page.
This video shows you how to use the template.

Data backups for the SEPPmail Appliance on Azure

SEPPmail provides internal backup features for effective data protection. We recommend using snapshots for SEPPmail Virtual Machine (VM) backups on Azure with hypervisor on-board tools. This means that the status of an appliance can be recorded before an upgrade or another profound configuration change and easily restored if necessary. Information on how to set up automated snapshots in Azure can be found here.

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Good to know…
In order for SEPPmail to operate flawlessly in the Azure environment, the SEPPmail VM must be installed in an Azure Enterprise Subscription. Microsoft has deactivated the use of outgoing SMTP port 25 for all other subscriptions as of March 4, 2022. Existing Azure subscriptions with Port 25 installations in operation should still function, but to be sure, please contact Microsoft Support.

The VM size can be selected using the sizing suggestions mentioned in the SEPPmail manual, with the recommended minimum size of standard B2s. In addition, Microsoft offers the free Azure Advisor during operation, which makes suggestions for the best VM size based on the specific workload. This is how you can strike the best balance between performance and cost. Our recommendation: Read through and implement the Azure Advisor suggestions.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

As with any other hypervisor (both on-premises and in the cloud), use of the SEPPmail Appliance is financed by the operator. There are no additional license or operating fees.

Operating costs are borne by the organization whose Azure subscription is used to set up VM resources. This may be the cloud service provider or the actual client.

Yes, you can. Please refer to the SEPPmail manual (“Clone Device”).

No, the SEPPmail Appliance can be operated in the cloud, with a host you trust or as on-premises software, regardless of the email system configuration.

More how-tos and FAQs relating to SEPPmail on Azure can be found in the online documentation. We can provide you with additional support.